A photographer who has captured prime ministers, royals and celebrities on film is running a portrait workshop to help raise funds for a neglected manor house.

Guy Newman will lead the Family Photography for Beginners workshop at Poltimore House, near Exeter. It aims to pass on family portrait tips for amateur photographers.

Guy, who runs a professional studio at Broadclyst near Exeter, has worked in the south west and across the UK. He has photographed a host of leading figures and well-known personalities, including Prince Charles, Tony Blair and celebrity chef Rick Stein.

Mr Newman said: "Digital cameras have opened up the world of photography to a much wider audience and although it is actually much easier to take an image, the end result will always be much improved through learning skills like composition and how to use light properly." The workshop, on June 29, will support the restoration of historic Devon landmark Poltimore House, which dates from the 1550s but fell into disrepair in the late 1980s.

Funds raised will go to Friends of Poltimore House, a charity formed in 2004 to support the building's restoration.

For five centuries the landmark was home to the Bampfylde family before in the 20th century it became a college, hospital and then a nursing home. In 1987 a fire destroyed the former ballroom wing and the house then became derelict, neglected and vandalised.

Efforts from organisations including English Heritage saved the house from destruction, and since 2000, with acquisition by the Poltimore House Trust, its future has looked more secure. It featured in the BBC2 Restoration television series in 2003.

To book a place on the workshop visit http://ph20130629.eventbrite.co.uk/